The first-ever endoscopy procedure at Sorsogon Provincial Hospital (SPH) was successfully conducted on April 22, 2024, using a high-end Fuji Endoscopy Colonoscopy Tower, which was procured in 2022 through funding under the Department of Health Facilities Enhancement Program (DOH HFEP). (Photo courtesy: Sorsogon Provincial Information Office FB page)
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. continues to prioritize health care by addressing gaps in medical services and infrastructure throughout the Philippines. Through the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP), the President aims to build and upgrade hospitals and health centers nationwide as well as modernize facilities including new medical equipment and supplies.
“This administration envisions a future where every Filipino, no matter where they live, has access to the urgent care that they need. A future where our healthcare system is proactive, not just reactive.” President Marcos Jr. stated in his speech at the inauguration of the Philippine Heart Center Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services.[1] The administration’s focus on healthcare highlights a dedication to enhancing lives through affordable medical services.
A Program Launched with Urgency
The HFEP started in July 2022, shortly after President Marcos Jr. took office. The administration allotted a P26.7 billion budget for healthcare infrastructure in 2023, demonstrating the President’s commitment to this initiative. Among its flagship projects is the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) outpatient department building, an eight-story facility specializing in kidney and allied sicknesses, built at a cost of P1.33 billion.
As President Marcos Jr. has highlighted healthcare as a key focus of his administration, emphasizing its importance for the nation’s development. The DOH has received a P267.8 billion budget for this year, which was the highest under the current administration.
This increase in funding has allowed the government to allocate P28.58 billion to the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP). This is a 6.6% increase from the P26.81 billion allocated in 2023, aimed at improving health facilities across the country.
“Investing in healthcare isn’t simply a price; it is a funding in the future of our country,” the President said. This funding reflects his administration’s determination to complete health zone reforms and modern healthcare infrastructure.
Expanding Access: Building and Upgrading Facilities
Under the facilitation enhancement program from 2022 to 2023, more than 3,000 structures were either built or improved. These include 1,008 barangay health stations; 1,524 rural health units; 335 LGU hospitals; 345 DOH hospitals; and 215 healthcare centers.
These will help ensure that Filipinos in far-flung areas have access to the best healthcare services. “We have to make sure that each Filipino, regardless of their place or socioeconomic status, has an entry to satisfactory healthcare offerings,” President Marcos Jr. reiterated.
The same program also recognizes that a strong healthcare system requires a well-trained and adequately staffed workforce. From July 2022 to May 2023, the administration deployed over 23,000 health workers monthly to underserved areas.
“Our healthcare workers are the backbone of our healthcare system. We must support them and provide them with the resources they need to deliver quality care to our people,” President Marcos Jr. said as he acknowledged the critical role of healthcare workers in keeping the people in the pink of health. The increase in the number of healthcare workers reflects the administration’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare workforce.
Delivering Results, Ensuring a Legacy
As of January 2025, the program is 60 percent complete. This includes the construction of two state-of-the-art specialty hospitals – the Clark Multispecialty Medical Center and Catherization laboratory in Pampanga – and the establishment of ambulatory care centers in barangays. These projects have made healthcare more accessible, particularly for Filipinos in the rural areas. For example, barangay health stations now offer primary healthcare services that previously required people to travel to urban centers.
The government expects the program to be finished by 2028.
Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman emphasized the program’s significance, saying “President Marcos Jr.’s investments in healthcare are about ensuring universal access for all Filipinos. It’s a legacy that will benefit generations to come.”
To sustain these advancements, the government has prioritized modernizing the Department of Health (DOH), including a national network of ambulatory and urgent care centers. These centers are designed to reduce overcrowding in major hospitals by providing laboratory, pharmacy, and imaging services closer to communities. This approach ensures accessible, quality healthcare for all Filipinos.
Beneficiaries Brim with Gratitude
The positive impact of the program is already being felt by Filipinos across the country. Marites Gomez, a mother of three from a rural area, shared, “Ngayon, malapit na sa amin ang clinic at may libreng gamot pa. Napakalaking tulong nito sa amin.” (Now, the clinic is close to us, and medicines are free. This is such a big help for us.)
Mr. Carlos Santos, another resident of a different area, expressed his gratitude for the improved access to healthcare. “Before, I had to travel for hours to reach the nearest hospital for my regular check-up. Now, with the upgraded barangay health station in our area, I can easily access the healthcare I need without the hassle of a long journey.”
Dr. Jaime Santos, a physician in a newly upgraded hospital, expressed gratitude as well: “Thanks to the modern facilities provided under President Marcos Jr. ‘s leadership, we can deliver better care to our patients.”
Another doctor, Dr. Juanita Reyes, a rural health physician in a remote community, shared her experience: “Since the deployment of additional doctors and the renovation of our barangay health station, we’ve seen a significant increase in the number of patients seeking preventive care. This program is making a real difference in our community.”
Moreover, community leaders have also lauded the program for its inclusivity. Barangay captain Reynaldo Dela Cruz said, “Dahil sa HFEP, mas maraming kababayan natin ang nagkaroon ng access sa de-kalidad na serbisyong medikal. Malaking pagbabago ito para sa aming lugar.” (Because of HFEP, more of our countrymen now have access to quality medical services. This is a big change for our community.
The program’s impact extends beyond health outcomes. By modernizing healthcare facilities, the HFEP has generated employment opportunities, from construction workers building hospitals to healthcare professionals staffing new facilities. This holistic approach ensures that the program not only saves lives but also boosts livelihood.
A Legacy of Compassion
President Marcos Jr.’s leadership has transformed the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP) right into an image of hope for Filipinos. By improving healthcare infrastructure, the program aims to make certain that Filipinos—no matter their place or economic status—have the best medical service that they deserve.
